Getting a Colorado learner's permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
If under 16, finish the required driver education or awareness course first.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pre-register online at myDMV.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Study the Colorado Driver's Handbook and take the practice quiz.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the written test online (@Home) or at an office.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Book an appointment and bring an adult 21+ to sign the DR 2460 Affidavit of Liability.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At the appointment, pass the vision test, give fingerprints, get your photo taken and pay $20.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for a learner's permit
- 15.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Instruction permit fee
- $20.00 (REAL ID permit, includes motorcycle), effective June 30, 2026.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit validity
- Three years or until your 21st birthday, whichever comes first.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Who must ride with you
- A licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat, holding a valid Colorado license (or military ID plus a valid out-of-state license).Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit holding period
- 12 full months, or until your 18th birthday if that comes first.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Affidavit of Liability (under 18)
- A parent, guardian or responsible adult 21+ with a valid Colorado license signs form DR 2460 at the appointment (or a notarized copy), accepting financial responsibility.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- What the written test covers
- The Colorado Driver Handbook: road signs, driving under the influence, driving rules, safety rules and legal items.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- @Home knowledge test
- The permit test can be taken online on a computer with a webcam; you get 60 minutes. Under 19 needs an adult proxy.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- @Home test cost
- $6.50 per attempt ($5 testing fee plus $1.50 card fee); retakes also carry the $11.50 state retest fee.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Written test attempts
- Unlimited attempts, but no more than two in one day.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retaking the written test
- No waiting period beyond a limit of two attempts per day.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Written test languages
- English and Spanish only; the exam can be read aloud, verbally translated by your own translator, or given in ASL.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- Required at state driver license offices; walk-in availability is limited.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Document rules
- Proof of identity and lawful presence, name-change proof, SSN, and Colorado address proofs (2 for REAL ID). Originals or government-certified copies only.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retaking the driving test
- Once per day, starting the day after a failure; a $15.40 state retest fee applies.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- REAL ID proofs
- Proof of identity, lawful presence and Colorado residency, plus your Social Security number (verified with SSA).Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Colorado guide
Official Colorado links
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